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Refuge from an unhappy past is sometimes found where you least expect it and for Melissa Smith - a tough divorce led her to questioning her ability to take on everyday activities.

"I think you start to feel like you're not worthy and you feel like you're not capable of performing the smallest tasks," Smith said. "I was comfortable, I was at home, I didn't have the pressure of making a living to all of the sudden, I am worrying about 'Oh my gosh, now I have to make sure my kids have clothes,' and I've got to make sure they have everything they need."

This place that polishes outside beauty, ended up becoming a place that revealed an inner strength she never imagined she would find in herself. Smith knew right away that this place that made her feel beautiful and renewed could also be an opportunity. Smith began considering opening her own franchise of Fresh Nail and Blow Dry Bar, where other women could come feel great while completing everyday tasks.

"I knew at that moment that this was going to be something that was not only really important to me but also was going to be important to a lot of people," Smith said. "The concept is a safe environment for you to have your manicure, your pedicure, your wash and blow dry, your eyelash extensions."

The shop is bright, warm and inviting and this place of pampering is filled with women who radiate with self confidence. Now an owner of her own franchise and part owner of the entire company, Smith now has a fresh outlook, working to enhance her own space where others are coming for refuge.

Smith says all types of women are coming into the salon.

"It's those same women like I was, 'They are running households and running businesses that just needed a break.' You're going through the grief stages now, but when you get through that you are going to be able to do anything and everything you put your mind to."

For some, it's just a manicure, for Smith and the women of Fresh, it's a place to recharge, inspire and feel like you belong. day by day, you realize what you're made of.